3 Common Myths about Prostitution

Prostitution is considered a serious criminal offense in the state of Texas, though the individuals charged with this crime have often caused no harm to anyone else. Those who are found guilty of prostitution may face jail time and significant fines, particularly if the conviction is not their first. Furthermore, conviction for prostitution can have significant consequences for a person’s social and professional reputation.

For these reasons, it is important that all Texas residents understand the relevant statutes relating to prostitution. Unfortunately, a number of common myths and misperceptions may mislead some people about the true nature of prostitution prosecution and penalties. The following list is meant to correct some of the most common of these myths.

Myth: A police officer cannot have sex with a provider, drink alcohol, or use drugs and then arrest her.

Fact: While it is not common, law enforcement officials have been known to do all of these things in order to arrest sex workers. Furthermore, some sting operations use civilians, who are much more likely to engage in these types of activities.

Myth: It is only prostitution if the client actually hands you the money.

Fact: The only requirement for a prostitution conviction is that it can be shown that an agreement to have sex for money was made. A person can be found guilty of prostitution even if money is never discussed or paid.

Myth: Only street workers get arrested.

Fact: With the growth of the internet, the majority of prostitution is now facilitated by online communication. For this reason, the focus of law enforcement has shifted towards prosecuting those who advertise sexual services online, rather than just those who sell their services on the street.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for prostitution, it is important that you have effective legal representation in order to ensure that your interests and rights are fully protected. Contact the defense lawyersatThe Johnson Law Firm at 713-523-0404 to discuss your case with an experienced legal professional and learn how you can defend yourself against this damaging charge.